SURAJKUND MELA 2018
Experience the diversity of India at
Asplash of colours, rhythm of drum beats and joy devivre merge at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana during the first fortnight of each Febru- ary. The acclaimed annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which is on till February 18 is a celebration of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage. “Occupying a place of pride on the international tourist calendar, more than a million visitors throng the mela during the fortnight including thousands of foreign tourists. The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India, and is the largest crafts fair in the world,” stated Vijai Vardhan, Addl. Chief Secretary, Tourism, Government of Haryana and Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority. For the 32nd Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2018, the state of Uttar Pradesh has been chosen to be the theme State. At least 20 countries and all the states of India are participating in the mela. The mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of tourism, textiles, culture and external affairs. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh inaugurated this grand fair on February 2, in the presence of Manohar Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana, Ram Bilas Sharma, Tourism, Hospitality, Education, and Languages, Technical Education, Archeology and Museums Minister, Haryana; Prof. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Tourism, Women Welfare, Family Welfare Mother and Child Welfare Minister, Uttar Pradesh, among others. To enliven the visitors’ mood, scintillating performances are presented by international folk artists from Turkey, Morocco, Thailand, Syria, Srilanka, Tanzania, Niger, Nepal, Egypt, South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Maldives, Cambodia, Mauritius, Uganda, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Lebanon, Kenya, Tunisia, Madagascar, Russia and Kyrgyzstan every day. A variety of dance forms during ‘Day Performances’ are staged by folk artists of North Zone Cultural Centre and other Zonal Cultural Centres, like Haryanavi dances, Bhangra, and Gidda by Punjab Police Group, Banchari, Kala Jadu, Kachi Ghori, Been Party, and Nagara Party.
Enjoy rib-tickling Hasya Kavi Sammelan by renowned poets like Padma Shri Surender Sharma; performances by renowned Bhojpuri singer Malini Awasthi, Shujat Hussain Khan, WOW Womania Folklores band, Sufi Qawwalis and songs of the golden era by Ranju Prasad and group are some of the highlights of the mela. Apart from that, catch Vocalist Dr Rinku Kalia, SAJDA by Padamjet Sherawat, Kathak by Elisha Deep Garg and Sunny Shishodya, Punjabi singer Shankar Sahni, Sufiana songs by famous Nijami Brothers and shows of Uttar Pradesh at the ‘Chaupal’ every evening from 6 pm onwards.
This year, visitors can relish mouth-watering delicacies including authentic some flavours of Uttar Pradesh and Partner Nation Kyrgyzstan at the multi-cuisine food court. There are designated places for amusement, adventure sports and joy rides to make it a must visit event for the young ones. Scintillating folk performances at the two ‘Chaupals’ and mesmerizing evening recitals at ‘Natyashala’ rev up the entertainment quotient.
You can also see a family each from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh showcasing the lifestyle and living trends of their respective states in a specially-created ‘Apna Ghar’. ‘Street Art Painting’, made by famous artists from Kolkata, leading from Hotel Rajhans to mid-axis of the Mela ground is a major attraction this year.
If you still haven’t booked your tickets to this annual fair, book it now on either bookmyshow.com or at the counters of Gate No 1. A free ferry service for visitors has been extended throughout the mela period from nearest areas of Faridabad and Delhi metro stations in the vicinity.